Chianti Classico: from Florence to Siena

A beautiful hilly landscape and spectacular medieval towns

Chianti, between Florence, Siena and Arezzo, is full of authentic Tuscan atmosphere. The gentle hilly landscape is framed with long rows of Sangiovese vines and dotted with a number of wonderful medieval towns which seem frozen in time.

Our first stop is Greve in Chianti which, along with Radda, Gaiole and Castellina is part of one of the oldest wine making areas. Wines made here can be recognised by the 'Gallo Nero' (black cockerel) on the labels.

Visitors should visit the ancient piazza del Mercato, home to the Palazzo Comunale (town hall) and Santa Croce church.

Of course, there are also many small traditional groceries selling typical local food and wines. One famous example is Macelleria Falorni (a butcher's) and the Museo del Vino (wine museum).

A trip to the ancient and wonderfully pretty town of Montefioralle is also a must.

It's best now to head on towards Castellina in Chianti, easily recognised thanks to its imposing fortress and the walls circling the town which are wide enough for visitors to walk around.

It's just a few kilometres from here to the Castello di Fonterutoli wine cellar, built with a unique classic contemporary design in terms of style, functionality and layout. The wine cellar, which was built by architect Agnese Mazzei, blends into its natural surroundings without upsetting the delicate balance between the landscape and the old town.

We are nearing the end of our journey and it's time now to turn back towards Florence. Take the motorway to Bargino where you'll be able to admire a masterpiece of modern architecture: Cantina Antinori Chianti Classico.

The eco-friendly building is perfectly in harmony with the surrounding landscape. As you arrive you should glimpse a hill with two fissures cut into the earth where the vines grow. The wine cellar was built using natural materials which help it to blend into the land. Visitors can find out how wine is made, from vine to bottle, including all parts of the wine making process.